Facing the Darkness

Sunlight spilled across the cramped apartment kitchen, cutting through the steam rising from a bowl of slow-simmered chicken stew. Serena sat across the scratched table and gently pushed the ceramic bowl toward Daphne. The savory aroma filled the room, offering a fleeting sense of comfort against the chill of the morning.

"Eat," Serena said, her tone calm but brooking no argument. "We are packing